Backstory
Some deeds get a lot of credit . . . Others are done quietly, behind the scenes, invisibly. I have always been more interested in being the wizard behind the curtain; creating the situations that make something good happen, rather than being the one receiving the credit. But sometimes, that can make a person invisible.
Invisible
Did you ever see the Carol Burnett show where she played the invisible woman? Waiters would listen to the others at the table and ignore her. Men would hold doors for other women but slam them on her. It was a supercilious exaggeration that made us all laugh.
In real life though, you really can seem invisible sometimes. You walk up to your husband and his colleagues at a party. They just keep right on talking. No one asks your opinion or introduces you.
Talk about invisible!
You’re explaining to a three-year-old why table manners count. Invisible!
Yet there are times when it’s OK to be invisible. The family sits down to a nice meal, perfectly cooked, spiced, and smelling scrumptious. Though your work was invisible, they walked away from the table feeling satisfied and happy. Those were the results that counted.
Your son brings his friends over and they comment that his house is “cool.” There is no recognition by the other boys of the decorating skill required. And that’s OK. Your work was invisible, and the results are, as the young man said, “cool.”
YOU know what it took. YOU know the love that went into every morsel of that meal and every swipe of the broom and dust cloth. There are times when that has to be enough for us invisible people. Just to know that we are part of what makes things tick, what makes the outcome a success, and what creates joyful memories that soothe and nurture.
P.S. Our years of pandemic isolation have even made us invisible to those we interact with each day. Masks hid our smiles, frustration made us rude, and fear replaced courtesy. It’s time to reset our humanity. Maybe us invisible people can step up and lead the restoration of consideration, one random act of kindness at a time.
[Show #266]